Track lighting system

ABSTRACT

A pendant mounted track lighting system includes an electronic display for use in an operatory environment. In particular, the invention is directed towards a pendant mounted track lighting system that incorporates and integrates intraoral illumination for illuminating a patient&#39;s mouth area, general room or ambient lighting in the operatory environment for patients and practitioners, directional task lighting for work surface areas, and electronic display for patient stimulation. The track lighting system includes a housing assembly attached to one or more elongated members for attachment within the operatory environment, one or more ambient lighting assemblies, an intraoral light assembly having a carriage mechanism, an electronic display, and one or more directional task lighting assemblies in a single track lighting system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/418,427, filed Dec. 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to track mounted lighting. In particular, the invention is directed towards a pendant mounted track lighting system that incorporates and integrates intraoral illumination for illuminating a patient's oral cavity, general room or ambient lighting in the operatory environment for patients and practitioners, directional task lighting for work surface areas, and electronic display for patient stimulation all in a single track lighting system.

It is often necessary to move a light source such as an electric light within a room or other space to provide lighting where it is most needed. One response to this desire for portability is found in track lighting, which is found in many residential and commercial uses.

Similarly, in operating rooms, it is frequently desired to move a light source to a specific location dictated by the positioning of the surgical apparatus, location of the practitioner, and the location of the patient. Numerous apparatus for allowing lighting fixtures to be moved about the room have been designed in response to this need. Among them is a longitudinal track running along at least a portion of the ceiling of the operating room and a carriage mechanism for engaging the track an allowing the light assembly to slide along it.

Track mounted lighting systems are found in various health care examination and treatment facilities, such as medical and dental operations. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,671 discloses an illumination system, particularly adapted to use in hospitals, has an elongated, low-profile fluorescent lighting fixture on the side of and parallel to a track, a reading-examination light mounted on one end of a telescoping boom, the other end of which is swingably connected to a boom mount rotatably carried by a carriage mounted to roll along the track.

The lighting fixture of the '671 patent includes means for providing low brightness down lighting and higher brightness side lighting. The reading-examination light is so constructed as to permit two levels of illumination from a single light source and color correction in a small, balanced, easily manipulated unit. The telescoping boom and its mounting are so constructed as to be light, strong and stable in any position within wide limits. The carriage is so constructed as to permit easy transport of the boom and light, and positive and continuous connection of electrical conductors within the boom to a source of current.

Numerous single solution products exist for track mounted intraoral lighting made by companies such as Adec, Pelton, Crane & Marus. However, these lighting products are only single solution products, designed solely for exam lighting of an oral cavity of a patient. A small number of companies may even add a second feature, such as a carriage mechanism, to these single solution products.

Therefore, it would be particularly desirable to provide a track lighting system that would incorporate or integrate track mounted intraoral illumination, general room or ambient lighting, task lighting, and electronic display into a single track lighting system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention preserves the advantages of prior art track lighting systems. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available track lighting systems and overcomes many disadvantages of such currently available track lighting systems.

The invention is a pendant mounted track lighting system having an electronic display for use in an operatory environment, specifically a dental operatory environment. In particular, the invention is directed towards a pendant mounted track lighting system that incorporates and integrates intraoral illumination for illuminating a patient's oral cavity, general room or ambient lighting in the operatory environment for patients and practitioners, directional task lighting for work surface areas, and electronic display for patient stimulation.

The track lighting system includes a housing assembly attached to one or more elongated members for attachment within the operatory environment, one or more ambient lighting assemblies, an intraoral light assembly having a carriage mechanism, an electronic display, and one or more directional task lighting assemblies in a single track lighting system. In one embodiment, the tracking lighting system further includes an operatory chair include a head rest attached to a floor area of the operatory environment. A power source (not shown) is connected to the track lighting system and the electronic display to operate the lighting options and the electronic display.

The housing assembly includes a top, side, and bottom portions and is configured for providing multiple lighting options and an electronic display. The top portion of the housing assembly provides a top surface area for concealing wiring, cabling, junction boxes and other components for the track lighting system.

The one or more elongated members have a top and a bottom end. In one embodiment, the elongated members may defined a cylindrical or tubular shape with a hallowed interior for concealing wires, cables, and other components of the track lighting system. The top portion of the housing assembly is attached to the bottom end of the one or more of the elongated members. The bottom end of the one or more elongated members may be attached to the housing assembly above the head rest of the operatory chair in the operatory environment.

The top end of the one or more elongated members is mounted to a first surface area within the operatory environment. In one embodiment, the first surface area within the operatory environment is a ceiling area. The bottom end of one or more elongate members is located within a first predetermined distance from a second surface area within the operatory environment. For example, the first predetermined distance from the bottom end of the one or more elongated members to a floor area is approximately less than ten feet. Alternatively, the first predetermined distance is approximately seven and a half feet. Of course, the first predetermined distance may be adjusted depending upon the height of the ceiling in the operatory environment and the height of the head rest of the operatory chair above the floor area. In one embodiment, the second surface area within the operatory environment is a floor area or, alternatively, the head rest of the operatory chair.

The one or more ambient lighting assemblies are attached to one or more side portions and the top portion of the housing assembly to provide general lighting in the operatory environment for practitioners and patients.

The intraoral light assembly is used for illuminating a patient's mouth area, specifically oral cavity. The intraoral light assembly includes an intraoral lamp and an articulating arm for pivotal, horizontal, and vertical movement relative to the operatory chair. The intraoral light assembly is attached to a carriage mechanism for slidably engaging a tracking rail attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly along a horizontal axis for translational movement thereof. The distance between the intraoral light assembly relative to the operatory chair is variable depending upon the practitioner's needs.

The electronic display is used for a patient's visual and audio stimulation during treatment in the operatory environment. The electronic display is fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the housing assembly. The electronic display is mounted along a horizontal axis parallel to the housing assembly and within a second predetermined distance from the second surface area within the operatory environment. In one embodiment, the second predetermined distance is approximately less than seven and a half feet. Alternatively, the second predetermined distance is approximately four and a half feet. Of course, the second predetermined distance may be adjusted depending upon the height of the ceiling in the operatory environment and the height of the head rest of the operatory chair above the floor area. It should be noted that the second predetermined distance may be less than the first predetermined distance.

The one or more directional task lighting assemblies is attached to a bottom portion of the housing assembly to provide lighting to work surface areas used by a practitioner in the operatory environment. The one or more directional task lighting assemblies includes one or more directional LEDs or other light producing members or elements to provide light to specific surface areas in the operatory environment. The one or more directional task lighting assemblies, in one embodiment, includes three directional LEDS to provide light to surrounding work surface areas in the operatory environment. In one embodiment, the task lighting assembly is located proximal to the electronic display. In operation, the track lighting system and the electronic display is more easily controlled by the practitioner in the operatory environment since all of the lighting options and electronic display are convenient to the practitioner in a single track lighting system which is important, especially during an operation.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a single track lighting system that incorporates and integrates intraoral illumination, ambient lighting, task lighting, and an electronic display.

It is a further object of the present invention is to improve the practitioner's ability to manipulate his lighting options and electronic display using a single track lighting system.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide enhanced lighting options in the operatory environment to improve the performance and efficiency of the practitioner by allowing the intraoral lamp assembly to move independent of the electronic display.

Another object of the present invention is to minimize the usage of space in the operatory environment by using a single track lighting system.

Furthermore, another object of the present is to provide electronic display respectively above a patient's head at a fixed position to prevent the practitioner from needlessly bumping into or constantly adjusting the electronic display.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are characteristic of the track lighting system are set forth in the appended claims. However, the track lighting system, together with further embodiments and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the track lighting system with electronic display;

FIG. 2 is an elevated right side view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is bottom view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is side view of the invention of FIG. 1 showing detail of the electronic display and the directional task lighting;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the invention of FIG. 1 showing detail of the carriage mechanism engaging the tracking rail;

FIG. 10 is a front sectional view of the invention of FIG. 1 showing detail of the elongated member, carriage mechanism, and the housing assembly;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the housing assembly, ambient lighting assemblies, and the bracket for attaching the electronic display of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 12 is a partial bottom view of an embodiment of the track lighting system including in an operatory environment including an operatory chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIGS. 1-12, the pendant mounted track lighting system 10 with electronic display 12 for use in an operatory environment is shown. In particular, the invention is directed towards a pendant mounted track lighting system 10 that incorporates and integrates intraoral illumination for illuminating a patient's oral cavity, general room or ambient lighting in the operatory environment for patients and practitioners, directional task lighting for work surface areas, and electronic display, such as a television or computer monitor, for patient stimulation during treatment. The invention will provide the lighting options (intraoral illumination, ambient lighting, directional task lighting) and the electronic display in a single track lighting system to improve overall delivery of operatory services in the operatory environment and minimize the usage of space in the operatory environment which is at a premium.

It should be understood that this invention is well suited and preferably used in a dental office environment; however, it may be used in any environment where delivery of objects to a work area is desired. The invention will be disclosed herein in connection with a dental office environment; however, the present invention is not intended to be limited to that particular use.

Referring to FIG. 1, the track lighting system 10 includes a housing assembly 14 attached to one or more elongated members 16, 18 for attachment within the operatory environment, one or more ambient lighting assemblies 20,22,24,26, an intraoral light assembly 28 having a carriage mechanism 30, the electronic display 12, and one or more directional task lighting assemblies 32, 34 in a single track lighting system. Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the tracking lighting system 10A further includes an operatory chair 50 including a head rest attached to a floor area of the operatory environment. A power source (not shown) is operationally connected to the track lighting system and the electronic display to operate the lighting options and the electronic display.

Referring to FIG. 2, the housing assembly includes a top, side, middle, and bottom portions and is configured for providing multiple lighting options and an electronic display. The top portion of the housing assembly provides a top surface area for concealing wiring, cabling, junction boxes and other components for the track lighting system. The middle portion of the housing assembly includes middle brackets located between one or more ambient lighting assemblies.

The one or more elongated members have a top and a bottom end. In one embodiment, the elongated members may define a cylindrical or tubular shape, such as a post. The elongated members may have a hallowed interior for concealing wires, cables, and other electrical or miscellaneous components of the track lighting system. The length of the elongated members may be adjusted to ensure proper mounting height of the track lighting system which is important due to variable ceiling heights of operatory environments. In one embodiment, the elongated members may telescope to a desired height for the track lighting system. The top portion of the housing assembly is attached to the bottom end of the one or more of the elongated members. The bottom end of the one or more elongated members may be attached to the housing assembly above the head rest of the operatory chair in the operatory environment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the top end of the one or more elongated members is mounted to a first surface area within the operatory environment. In one embodiment, the first surface area within the operatory environment is a ceiling area. In one embodiment, the elongated members are pendant mounted to a ceiling area using brackets generally defining a square or rectangular shape using fasteners. Furthermore, the elongated members may have a sufficient length to extend from the ceiling area and through a cut-out in a drop ceiling. Of course, the track lighting system may be mounted by other means to provide multiple lighting options within an operatory environment of varying sizes.

Referring to FIG. 12, the bottom end of one or more elongate members is located within a first predetermined distance from a second surface area within the operatory environment. For example, the first predetermined distance from the bottom end of the one or more elongated members to a floor area is approximately less than ten feet. Alternatively, the first predetermined distance is approximately seven and a half feet. Of course, the first predetermined distance may be adjusted depending upon the height of the ceiling in the operatory environment and the height of the head rest of the operatory chair above the floor area. In one embodiment, the second surface area within the operatory environment is a floor area or, alternatively, the head rest of the operatory chair.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 11, with regards to the general or ambient room lighting, the one or more ambient lighting assemblies are attached to one or more side portions and the top portion of the housing assembly to provide general lighting in the operatory environment for practitioners and patients. Of course, the ambient lighting assemblies may also be attached to a side portion, top portion, or bottom portion of the housing assembly if so desired. In one embodiment, one or more ambient lighting assemblies may include an ambient housing with one or more, preferably at least four, T5 HO fluorescent fixtures/bulbs to provide general ambient lighting.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9-10, the intraoral illumination provides supplement lighting during an operatory procedure. More specifically, the intraoral light assembly is used for illuminating a patient's mouth area, specifically oral cavity. The intraoral light assembly includes an articulating intraoral lamp or light assembly and articulating arm configured for pivotal, horizontal, and vertical movement relative to the operatory chair. The intraoral light assembly is attached to a carriage mechanism for slidably engaging a horizontal tracking rail attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly along a horizontal axis for translational movement thereof The tracking rail runs along at least a portion of the track lighting system and the carriage mechanism is used for engaging the track and the arm to an allow the lamp to slide along it. The distance between the intraoral light assembly relative to the operatory chair is variable depending upon the practitioner's needs.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7-8, the electronic display is used for a patient's visual and audio stimulation during treatment in the operatory environment. The electronic display may include a television, monitor, terminal, or other means for providing audio and video to a patient or practitioner. The electronic display may also be paired with a remote headset, viewing wear, and a remote control to provide convenient control to the patient or practitioner in the operatory environment.

The electronic display is fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the housing assembly using a mounting bracket and hardware. The bracket allows the electronic display to be located directly above the patient's head. The electronic display is fixed in position on a horizontal axis respectively positioned above a patient's head for some intended benefits. First, the fixed position above the patient's head prevents the practitioner from needlessly bumping into or constantly adjusting the electronic display. Second, the fixed position of the electronic display improves the performance and efficiency of the practitioner by allowing the intraoral lamp assembly to move independently of the electronic display thereby not requiring adjustment of both electronic display and intraoral lamp assembly at the same time. Lastly, the fixed position of the electronic display minimizes the usage of space in the operatory environment.

The electronic display is mounted along a horizontal axis parallel to the housing assembly and within a second predetermined distance from the second surface area within the operatory environment. In one embodiment, the second predetermined distance is approximately less than seven and a half feet. Alternatively, the second predetermined distance is approximately four and a half feet. Of course, the second predetermined distance may be adjusted depending upon the height of the ceiling in the operatory environment and the height of the head rest of the operatory chair above the floor area. It should be noted that the second predetermined distance may be less than the first predetermined distance.

When ambient room lighting levels are low due to a particular procedure, the one or more directional task lighting assemblies will provide practitioners with sufficient light to access necessary instruments and equipment. The one or more directional task lighting assemblies is attached to a bottom portion of the housing assembly to provide lighting to work surface areas used by a practitioner in the operatory environment. The one or more directional task lighting assemblies includes one or more downward directional LEDs or other light producing members or elements to provide light to specific surface areas in the operatory environment. The directional LEDs may be fixed in a position upon installation, preferably at a range of approximately 10 degree beams. Of course, the directional task lighting assemblies may be directed in a multitude of degree settings downwardly towards a specific work surface area. The one or more directional task lighting assemblies, in one embodiment, includes three directional LED bulbs, such as MR16 LED bulbs with 3 LED lights therein, to provide light to surrounding work surface areas in the operatory environment. In another embodiment, the one or more directional task lighting assemblies includes a triplex directional down lighting. In one embodiment, the task lighting assembly is located proximal to the electronic display and pointed downward towards the work surface areas of the operatory environment.

An additional optional feature of the invention includes a remote dimming panel (not shown) or controller for use with the track lighting system. The track lighting system would control all lighting options (intraoral illumination, ambient lighting, and directional task lighting) and the electronic display as well as adjustment of lighting levels through the remote dimming panel or controller located proximal to the practitioner. The remote dimming panel may be programmed to enable the practitioner to adjust lighting levels in response to the needs of any given procedure, which is especially important during sedation dentistry. The dimming feature enables track light system to meet the maximum lighting requirements of multiple operatory sizes.

Alternatively, the various lighting options may be controlled individually. In one embodiment, the ambient lighting assembly may be turned on/off by a light switch located in the operatory environment. The directional task lighting assembly may be moved into a prefixed position and then turned on/off by a light switch located in the operatory environment. The intraoral lighting assembly may have an on/off switch located on the intraoral assembly. The electronic display may be manipulated by a remote control.

In operation, the track lighting system and the electronic display is more conveniently and efficiently controlled by the practitioner or patient in the operatory environment since all of the lighting options (intraoral illumination, ambient lighting, and directional task lighting) and electronic display are convenient to the practitioner and/or patient in a single track lighting system.

Therefore, while there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims. 

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A pendant mounted track lighting system for use in a dental operatory environment, comprising: a housing assembly having a top, side, middle, and bottom portions; a pair of hollow, tubular, elongated members having a top end and a bottom end, said top portion of the housing assembly attached to the bottom end of elongated members, said top end of the one or more elongated members having at least one bracket configured and arrange to mount to an overhead surface area, a horizontal tracking rail assembly attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly; one or more ambient lighting assemblies attached to the side portions and the top portion of the housing assembly to provide general lighting in the operatory environment, each ambient lighting assembly including an ambient housing and one or more fluorescent bulbs; and an electronic display for a patient's visual and audio stimulation fixedly attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly with a fixed mounting bracket, said electronic display mounted along a horizontal axis parallel to the housing assembly and adjacent to the horizontal tracking rail, over the operatory environment.
 22. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 21, wherein the horizontal tracking rail assembly includes: an elongated horizontal tacking rail attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly; a carriage mechanism slidably engaging the tracking rail; and an intraoral light assembly connected to the carriage mechanism, the intraoral light assembly having an articulating arm and intraoral lamp.
 23. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 21, further comprising at least one directional task lighting assemblies attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly adjacent to the electronic display.
 24. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 23, wherein each of the one or more directional task lighting assemblies includes one or more directional LEDs to provide light to surrounding work surface areas in the operatory environment.
 25. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 21, wherein each ambient lighting assembly includes an ambient housing.
 26. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 21, further comprising a pair of middle brackets connected to the middle portion of the housing assembly and extending from each side portion of the housing assembly, respectively; each of the middle brackets configured and arranged to support one of a pair of ambient lighting assemblies, respectively.
 27. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 21, wherein the pair of hollow, tubular elongated members are telescopically adjustable.
 28. A pendant mounted track lighting system for use in a dental operatory environment, comprising: a housing assembly having a top, side, middle, and bottom portions; a pair of hollow, tubular, elongated members having a top and a bottom end, said top portion of the housing assembly attached to the bottom end of the elongated members, said top end of the one or more elongated members having one or more brackets configured and arrange to mount to an overhead surface area within the operatory environment; a horizontal tracking rail suspended attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly; a carriage mechanism slidably engaging the horizontal tracking rail; an intraoral light assembly connected to the carriage mechanism, the intraoral light assembly having an articulating arm and intraoral lamp; an electronic display for a patient's visual and audio stimulation fixedly attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly with a fixed mounting bracket, said electronic display mounted along a horizontal axis parallel to the housing assembly and adjacent to the tracking rail; and a pair of directional task lighting assemblies attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly adjacent to the electronic display.
 29. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 28, further comprising two pairs of ambient lighting assemblies attached on either side portion and attached to the top portion of the housing assembly to provide general lighting in the operatory environment, each ambient lighting assembly including an ambient housing and one or more fluorescent bulbs.
 30. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 29, wherein each ambient lighting assembly includes an ambient housing.
 31. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 28, further comprising a pair of middle brackets connected to the middle portion of the housing assembly and extending from each side portion of the housing assembly, respectively, wherein each of the middle brackets configured and arranged to support two ambient lighting assemblies connected to the same side portion, respectively;
 32. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 28, further comprising at least one directional task lighting assembly attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly adjacent to the electronic display.
 33. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 32, wherein the one or more directional task lighting assemblies includes one or more directional LEDs to provide light to surrounding work surface areas in the operatory environment.
 34. A pendant mounted track lighting system for use in a dental operatory environment, comprising: a housing assembly having a top, side, middle, and bottom portions; a pair of hollow, tubular, elongated members having a top and a bottom end, said top portion of the housing assembly attached to the bottom end of the elongated members, said top end of the one or more elongated members having one or more brackets configured and arrange to mount to an overhead surface area within the operatory environment; two pairs of ambient lighting assemblies attached on either side portion and attached to the top portion of the housing assembly to provide general lighting in the operatory environment, each ambient lighting assembly including an ambient housing and one or more fluorescent bulbs; a pair of middle brackets connected to the middle portion of the housing assembly and extending from each side portion of the housing assembly, respectively; each of the middle brackets configured and arranged to support two ambient lighting assemblies connected to the same side portion, respectively; a horizontal tracking rail suspended extending along the bottom portion of the housing assembly; a carriage mechanism slidably engaging the tracking rail; and an intraoral light assembly connected to the carriage mechanism, the intraoral light assembly having an articulating arm and intraoral lamp.
 35. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 34, further comprising an electronic display for a patient's visual and audio stimulation fixedly attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly with a fixed mounting bracket, said electronic display mounted along a horizontal axis parallel to the housing assembly and adjacent to the tracking rail.
 36. The pendant mounted track lighting system of claim 34, further comprising a pair of directional task lighting assemblies attached to the bottom portion of the housing assembly adjacent to the electronic display. 